Efficacy and safety of ascending doses of moxidectin against Strongyloides stercoralis infections in adults: a randomised, parallel-group, single-blinded, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging, phase 2a trial
RCT (n=223) found 4-12mg of moxidectin (a macrocyclic lactone anthelmintic) showed promising efficacy and safety for the treatment of S stercoralis infections in adults. The 8 mg dose (which had a predicted cure rate of 87%) will be chosen for phase III trials.
Source:
The Lancet Infectious Diseases
SPS commentary:
A commentary discusses this research, concluding that the fight against the long overlooked scourge of strongyloidiasis is entering a new phase. One important measure is to ensure ivermectin availability at an affordable price for preventive chemotherapy and strongyloidiasis transmission control, starting with pilot programmes that add ivermectin to albendazole, which is the drug currently used for the treatment of other soil-transmitted helminths. Moxidectin, if larger phase 3 trials confirm its efficacy, could become an invaluable ally to ivermectin in the long run.